The first game of week 7 of the Liga MX Clausura 2017 tournament will be Veracruz hosting Tigres UANL at the Estadio Luis ‘Pirata’ Fuente this Friday, February 17, 2017 (7:00 PM Pacific). Both teams need the three points for distinct reasons, which should make for an outstanding encounter.

Veracruz is undefeated at home, getting wins against Queretaro, Atlas and Chiapas, earning nine crucial points this tournament. The ‘tiburones rojos’ are of course in deep waters as they are fighting relegation and could use another home victory. Carlos Reinoso’s side is now only three points away from Morelia in the relegation table, after the Monarcas got a crucial away win against Chiapas and Veracruz fell to Toluca away from home. The ‘jarochos’ will certainly have a tough opponent in Tigres UANL, but should be able to put up a hard-fought encounter, especially at home. Veracruz has looked impressive defensively this tournament with players like Leobardo Lopez, Antonio Briseno and Kristian Alvarez stepping up for the team.

The midfield has also been solid with hard working players like Egidio Arevalo Rios and Cristian Pellerano leading the way. Another crucial member of the Veracruz midfield has been Angel Reyna who has been the main play-maker for this team. Up front the ‘tiburones’ count with a big target man in, Eduardo Herrera, who is always an aerial threat and goes well in the attack with the team’s pacey wingers. Goalkeeper, Meliton Hernandez has been, perhaps the most important player on the team, earning 24 saves on the Clausura. Overall this Veracruz team is well-balanced and should be able to put up a fight against this struggling Tigres team.

Tigres UANL is in 16th place in this Clausura 2017, which is shocking as the team is the current champions of the Liga MX. The ‘regios’ have not been playing bad, they just have not achieved the favorable results. The essence of the team still seems to be present with players like Juninho and Guido Pizarro being among the top players in passing statistics. In all its losses Tigres UANL has had more possession than its opponent, most notably 68 percent against Toluca and 64 percent against Chiapas. Obviously, possession has not been the key for Ricardo Ferretti’s side.

The forwards must be clinical in this game and create more opportunities. Andre-Pierre Gignac is yet to score with only three shots on target in this Clausura, the French striker is of course important to the success of this team. Gignac must start performing for this team to be a contender once again. This game will not be easy for Ricardo Ferretti and company, and it should be interesting to see how Tigres can do at the Estadio Luis ‘Pirata’ Fuente this Friday.